Evacuations

A wide variety of emergencies may cause an evacuation. In some instances you may have a day or two to prepare, while other situations might call for an immediate evacuation. Planning ahead is vital to ensuring that you can evacuate quickly and safely, no matter what the circumstances.

Before an Evacuation

Learn the types of disasters that are likely in your community and the local emergency, evacuation, and shelter plans for each specific disaster.

Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.

Identify several places you could go in an emergency such as a friend’s home in another town or a motel. Choose destinations in different directions so that you have options during an emergency.

If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.

Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.

Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.

Assemble supplies that are ready for evacuation, both a “go-bag” you can carry when you evacuate on foot or public transportation and supplies for traveling by longer distances if you have a personal vehicle.

If you have a car:

Keep a full tank of gas in it if an evacuation seems likely. Keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case of an unexpected need to evacuate. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages. Plan to take one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.

Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.

Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.

Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.

Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.

Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.

Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

During an evacuation local first responders will attempt to make contact with you by either going door to door or using our mass notification system. If you have not yet signed up for our free alert system visit Alert Yakima Signup.

This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. This is also the time to plan where you will evacuate to.

Level 2 (Be Set)

This level indicates there is a significant risk to your area and residents should be set to evacuate at a moment’s notice (Car loaded, Pets caged)

Residents are advised to monitor social sites and local media outlets for shelter locations and for updated information.

Level 3 (GO)

Current conditions present immediate threat(s) to the life and safety of persons within this area.

YOU ARE ADVISED TO EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY

Residents are advised to monitor social sites and local media outlets for shelter locations and for updated information.